Car crashes into downtown restaurant and Rochester's oldest brick building

Jeff Kiger, Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minn.
Updated ·2 min read

May 12—ROCHESTER — The staff at Marrow in downtown Rochester were relaxing after wrapping up their first brunch service at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, when a car crashed into the corner of their 165-year-old brick building located at 332 S. Broadway.

Marrow owners Chef Jeff and Sarah Schwenker were standing outside looking at the damage with the building owner Bucky Beeman soon after the car was towed away.

Sarah Schwenker said she was just relieved that no one was injured in the crash. The woman driving the car exited the vehicle on her own. Brunch service ended at 2:30 p.m., so no customers were in the restaurant.

The Rochester Police Department said the driver, a 73-year-old woman, "noted that her gas pedal got stuck and the vehicle would not stop."

The Schwenkers opened Marrow in 2023, the first anniversary of the 40-seat restaurant and bar is just days away. Marrow will be closed temporarily. In a Facebook post on Monday, the Schwenkers said "we are committed to reopening as soon as possible." People can also donate to a GoFundMe, which will support the staff while the restaurant is closed.

The Kelley Building damaged in the crash is believed to be the first brick building constructed in Rochester.

It was built in 1858 by Dr. Lewis Halsey Kelley with locally made bricks, the building was home to the first medical practice in Rochester as well as a dry goods store, a basement saloon and the city's first newspaper on the second floor.

Besides Andrews Dry Goods, Sam Blackson's Saloon and The Rochester City Post, the Kelley Building has also housed Upman & Poole Drugs, Anderson's Drug Store, Quality Print Shop and the famed Huey's Cigar Store over the years.